Wonderful Health Benefits of Eating Alugbati (Malabar Spinach)!

Alugbati or also called as malabar spinach in the Philippines is very popular, however, it is not the same with spinach. Alugbati is a heart-shaped leaves that grows in a vivid red stem.

Alugbati is a common vegetable in the Philippines, and it's also known as malabar spinach, though it isn't spinach at all. The vegetable has heart-shaped and grows in a vivid red stem. Alugbati has the ability to bear fruit that has a color of dark green to red. Even though alugbati is not spinach, it can be a substite as spinach in salads and in other foods. It can really help people and it has alot of health benefits too.

Calories, Fat and Fiber

A one serve of alugbati has 10 calories and 0.34 grams fat. It can also help in your diet because it has a low calories and fat.
A 1-cup serving of alugbati contains 10 calories and 0.34 gram of fat, of which none of it is saturated fat.

Also, one serve of alugbati contains 1 gram of fiber. Fiber helps stop constipation and can help save you from being at risk of having heart disease and diabetes.

Vitamins and Minerals

One serve of alugbati contains 26 micrograms of vitamin A. That is 4 percent of 700 micrograms women should consume each day and 3 percent of 900 micrograms men should consume everyday. Vitamin A is very helpful for the eyes and it keeps the bones and teeth strong.

One serve of alugbati gived 0.65 milligram of iron. That is 4 percent of the 18 milligrams women should consume and 8 percent of the 8 milligrams men should consume everyday.
The same amount of alugbati also provides 0.65 milligram of iron, which is 4 percent of the 18 milligrams women require each day and 8 percent of the 8 milligrams men need each day. It also gives 50 milligrams of folate. Folate helps prevent birth defects and promotes proper DNA and brain function.

Additional Benefits

In the Philippines, Alugbati is used as food source and medicinal plant. According to Dr. Bahram Tadayyon, Alugbati contains phytochemicals called saponins, Tadayyon notes, that might reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer. The plant is also diuretic and works as a mild laxative. Alugbati is used as a remedy for headaches, inflammation and ulcers, too, Tadayyon reports.

Tips and Considerations

Alugbati usually grows in tropical regions. However, you can find this in markets or farmers market. You can also buy seeds and make it grow on your own. Once you get your hands on a bunch of alugbati, coarsely chop the leaves and stir them into soup or stew. Try with other recipes and try adding alugbati to salad, stir-fry or curry.